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In this article, we would discuss the functions of the respiratory system and its related diseases.

Functions of the respiratory system:

1. Inhalation and exhalation: During inhalation, air taken in through the nostrils is directed to the lungs through the windpipe. The air reaches alveolar sacs where exchange of gases takes place. The alveoli are surrounded by blood vessels, which remove oxygen from the inhaled air and direct it to the heart for the process of pumping. In the process, carbon dioxide is generated which is carried back to the lungs and is exhaled out through the nostrils.

2. Acts as a defense system: The nasal passage and airways are lined with hair-like projections called cilia that filter the air before it enters the body. Mucus produced in the respiratory system traps foreign particles that move upward with the brushing action of cilia and is expelled out of the body through coughing and sneezing.

Diseases of the Respiratory System:

1. Tuberculosis (TB): It is a bacterial infection, caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis that most often affects the lungs and can spread to other parts of the body through lymph nodes and bloodstream. People in close contact with an infected person can contract the disease. An infected person propels the infection (bacteria) in air through coughing, sneezing or spitting. Interestingly, many people do not develop the disease even if they are infected. This is known as latent TB. TB can be treated with Directly Observed Treatment, Short course (DOTS) that is a six-month course of four antimicrobial drugs (Rifampicin, Isoniazid, Ethambutol and Pyrazinamide).

2. Influenza (flu): It is a contagious respiratory illness caused by virus. It has symptoms similar to common cold, namely running/blocked nose, cough and sore throat. However, nausea, diarrhoea, shivering and high temperature are additional symptoms that help in confirmation of the infection. Children, elders and people with low immunity are more at a risk of contracting this infection.

3. Asthma: It is a chronic (long-term) disorder characterised by inflammation of bronchi and bronchioles that leads to constricted airways and makes breathing difficult. Overproduction of mucus during an asthma attack worsens the condition of the patient. Pollen grains, smoke, dust, cold air and some chemicals, among others trigger an asthma attack.

4. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder (COPD): Characterised by progressive damage of lungs with symptoms like shortness of breath, difficulty in breathing, wheezing, among others. Smoking is one of the major causes of COPD.

5. Pneumonia: It is a lung infection that leads to inflammation in the alveolar sacs. It causes severe breathing problems with faster heartbeat and gastrointestinal disorders. The most common type of bacterium is Streptococcus pneumoniae. Pneumonia can result due to bacterial/viral/fungal infection.

6. Lung Cancer: It is characterised by abnormal division of cells in the lungs especially in the bronchi. Cancer that originates in the lungs is known as primary lung cancer while the cancer caused due to metastasis to the lungs is known as secondary lung cancer. Smoking poses a higher risk of lung cancer.

7. Cystic fibrosis: It is a genetic disease in which thick and sluggish mucus is produced in the respiratory and digestive system. Symptoms include difficulty in breathing, unusually salty sweat, poor growth, fatty stool and frequent lung infections. There is no treatment for it, however, antibiotics (to treat infections) and bronchodilators (medications that widen the bronchi and make passage of air easier) combined with physiotherapy make management of the disease easier.

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